Articles

Sep 12 2019

Do You See What I See?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 3 Comments

 

 

Do You See What I See?

Have you taken a fun day with friends to go shopping, and find the perfect outfit but are afraid to try it on? I hate trying clothes on at the store. I’m always afraid it will look horrible and not fit all right.

You see my self-image has always been a little distorted and spending extended lengths of times in the “chamber of horrors” (the fitting room)  usually leaves me depressed and sometimes there are a few tears. Or I  leave wishing I was taller, thinner, had a flatter stomach and no muffin top around my waist.

The dressing rooms with the three-sided mirrors always seem to show my worst faults. Instead of a fun day shopping, I go home wishing I was someone else.

Occasionally I even toy with the idea 0f a major overhaul, from top to bottom.  You know the kind, where they pull everything up, starting at the knees.  (Somehow the image of my navel in the middle of my forehead has kept me from taking the final step)

I think God must have a sense of humor; after all, He made us.  Have you ever stood naked in front of a mirror and quoted Psalm 139: 14a “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Personally, I could not get past the fearful!

 Our confidence comes from knowing that God made us in His image, he knew what we would look like before we were born and loved us, anyway.

The Bible says: 

    You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.  You saw me before I was born.

          Psalm 139: 13-16a (NLT)

When he looks at us, we are perfect in his eyes; he sees each one is of us is unique and special. ©

  God loves you.   

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 
HUGS,

 Lovingly, Karan

 

Aug 19 2019

Could We Be Friends?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

 

Could We Be Friends?

I never dreamed a friendship could begin, two young women with totally opposite personalities would became lifelong girlfriends.  

Dee has always been a no-nonsense, goal setting woman who embraces laughter and life with a bear hug.  She is wise beyond her years with a sensitive heart.  I have seen her notice a complete stranger in need, and stop to help them. My friend has the keen business savvy of Donald Trump (with good hair), and the creative talents of Martha Stewart— a domestic goddess with a warped twist. 

She has a style all her own; a possible visual might include Peppy Long-stockings dressed in Ralph Lauren, with the sense of humor and the quirkiness of Carol Burnett— ready to laugh at almost anything (especially herself).  That is my dear friend, Dee.

She is a very physical and thinks she hasn’t had a thorough work out unless she is sweating buckets.  My idea of a good workout is a color coordinated sweat suit, 1-inch gold flip-flops and pearls, fully loaded makeup, hairdo—the works.  (In case I run into someone I might know).

Besides, I never sweat, I mist. Taking a walk with us is truly comic relief.  Dee in practical shoes and clothing, charging ahead, getting the workout over in good time, with as much sweat as possible; while I leisurely stroll along, trying my best not to get all misty, gingerly stepping over rocks, puddles, and other debris. 

Although we have never lived in the same continent, we try to meet occasionally.  I love having a friend to talk to; someone in whom I can confide my deepest secrets (even if she is jogging circles around me so she can keep her heart rate up.)

But the greatest comfort about my friend, Dee, is the assurance that our friendship is secure. I know she loves me even with all the fluff and glitter, blonde hair and pearls. She allows me to the freedom to be myself, I never have to impress her; she is already on my side, and loves me.

I have often heard it said, “If you have five best friends in a lifetime you are fortunate.”  True friendship is a blessing. ©

The Bible says;

“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish 

but have eternal life.” John 3:16

The longer I live, I realize that I would not have made it without my friendship with Jesus. I can talk to him, rely on him and trust him.

He is my shelter in the storms, and most of all I know he loves me and wants the best for me. 

Where would I be without him? Who is your best friend?

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, have a wonderful week.

Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

 

Apr 02 2019

I’ll Choose You

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

I’ll Choose You

 

Look Out, Here We Come

 

 

I’ll Choose You!

Early one fall morning, I took a day trip to Calgary, Alberta, to get spring and summer fashions for my store. I took my two teenage daughters along for an afternoon of shopping.

Wearing a navy suit to make a good impression at my appointment, I also wore my favorite three-inch heels. It was crucial for me to look pulled together, so the sales representatives didn’t know I was a novice.

My girls dressed for comfort, while I stayed with the suit and heels for our shopping trip. I did not want the trouble of an extra set of clothes. The day was fun but exhausting, and by 5 pm, I wanted to be home. I had a headache, my feet ached, and I was hobbling. I was ready to go home, grab a hot bath and go to bed.

Making one last stop at the drugstore on the way out of the mall, the girls waited for me outside. After paying for my purchases, I hurried out to meet them. As I rushed for the exit, I ran into an extraordinarily clean glass wall with such an impact, people stopped in their tracks to see what all the commotion was.

After my perfect face-plant into the glass, I slid to the floor in an ungraceful heap. My shopping bags were in complete disarray, one three-inch heel fell off, one button flew somewhere unknown and my skirt was slightly higher than I felt comfortable with.

As I tried to collect my wits and composure, I noticed my daughters bent over in hilarity and pretending not to know me. 

Struggling to get up and putting on my biggest smile, I tried to act as if nothing had happened. With head held high, I limped out of the store trying to look as mature as possible, even though my feet were not the only body parts hurting at this time. 

Looking back on that day, I recall the sadness I felt when I realized my daughters had been embarrassed by their mom. And they didn’t choose to claim me as their own.  

I am so glad God chooses us even when we embarrass others and ourselves. He will never run away from us when we hurt or leave our side when we call on him. We are loved and claimed by God.

Dear God,  Recognizing that you will never leave me gives me such perfect comfort and peace as only you can do. I am secure in your love Father, thank you for loving me so much. ©

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.  Hebrews 13:5b (NIV) 

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 
 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

May 13 2018

Happy Mother’s Days ~ Hero’s Come In All Sizes

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Happy Mother’s Days!

 

 

 

 

Hero’s Come In All Sizes

Hero’s come in all sizes, my hero came from a harsh background; I think she spent her life trying to work through the difficulties she encountered as a child. She strived to be understanding and kind towards others. Unlike her parents, she achieved her goal. There were painful personal and emotional struggles in her life, as well as great highs. Mother was always optimistic no matter what life handed her. Her motto was: “tomorrow’s a brand-new day.”

She worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table, never giving up or expecting handouts. Although others thought we were poor, I can’t say that we ever thought we were. We always had enough, when we outgrew our shoes and clothing; she made sure we had something new to replace the old. I often wondered how she worked her magic with the budget, but as I look back I realize she went without so that my sisters and I would have more opportunities and a few extras.

Mother loved a good deal, so thrift stores, Salvation Army, garage sales and flea markets were thrilling when she found the ultimate bargain.

She loved her flower beds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she felt closer to God outside. She loved to spend time talking to Him in the quietness of the morning as the sun rose on a new day.

We knew mother loved us and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would sustain her throughout life. She taught us daily about God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. Through her life, we were able to see how God faithfully protected and care for our needs. My mother has given me a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more to me than silver and gold. 

I felt lost when she passed away and wondered what I would do without her wonderful sense of humor and practical wisdom. But as I look back, I can see a long line of the heroes that God sprinkled into my life. Each one pushed, encouraged, and inspired me to become a better person. To reach for my dreams and never stop, and when I slow down and get discouraged, they cheer me on with their prayers.

To have Godly mentors who showed me that loving God, putting him first and serving him would give the greatest joy in life, each one has blessed me.

The Bible says we need to remember all that God has done for us and lean on his promise. ©

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. 

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 
 

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Feb 26 2018

Did You Call My Luggage Is FAT? ~ I Can Totally Make That

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 3 Comments

 “Did You Call My Luggage Is FAT?”

A woman called and asked, “Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to who?”

I said, “No, why do you ask?” She replied, “Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said FAT, and I’m overweight, is there any connection?”

After putting her on hold for a minute while “I looked into it,” (I was actually laughing)

I came back and explained that the city code for Fresno is FAT and that the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage for her city of arrival. Author unknown

 

 

Don’t Worry, I told you I could fix it!

 

 

Reflections:  I Can Totally Make That!

How many times have you looked at the price of something and said, “I can make that for less” or skimmed an invite and missed all the facts because you assumed you knew what they were saying?

Guilty!  A few weeks ago a young lady from our town gave an open invitation on Facebook to join a homemade card exchange. I thought it would be fun, so I said, “I’m in”.  However, I missed one important word, “Exchange”.  I somehow thought we were going to have a class and learn how to make cards.  I had only made one card in my whole life when I was in England and it wasn’t my best artistic endeavor.

After I agreed to participate in creating a card, our hostess sent instructions as follows: Create 36 cards to include-  6 wedding cards, 6 baby or sympathy cards and 24 birthday cards with directions to hand them to her at the end of the month. 

I finally confessed my predicament to my daughter and considered backing out of the card exchange. But my daughter gave me a pep-talk and encouraged me to press on, besides she had some scrapbooking supplies that I could use.  So I thought “how hard can it be?” I’ll take a day and whip them all together, however the first day I only made one.  And I must say it was not beautiful.

After another week and a half, I had a grand total of 23 cards. I didn’t know how to work the stamps without getting ink all over me. So I made my Best Wishes, Thinking of you and Congratulations on the computer and printed them out to put on the cards.  I was feeling pretty good about my creativity.

Then on Facebook, some of the other creative ladies posted some of their beautiful creations, and I was really discouraged.  My beauties looked like kindergarten through 5th-grade specials. But I persevered.

As I finished my 36 cards and turned them in, I decided I need to slow down and read ALL the words before making decisions stop jumping to conclusions

I wonder how God feels when I take off in all directions without checking what His plans are for me each day. Am I so self-sufficient that I don’t need his daily help? Do I make my plans and expect God to approve them? 

In Jeremiah 29:11, God gives me a hope-filled future, even with all my mistakes and blunders.©

 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

To realize God’s plans for me are far greater and more astonishing than anything I could even imagine for myself is humbling. He truly is my safe and secure place, and best of all I know he loves me.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me. Do you ever have days where you have made silly mistakes?
Live, Love, and Sparkle today!
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan